The white granules of sand burnt the bottoms of his feet. Increasing his pace to a trot, Kevin Small reached the water and knelt into the surf, a small tree branch gripped in his left hand. Slamming the makeshift spear into the water, he stared down at the end of the stick and smirked. A solid hit. He would have a real meal tonight.

Kevin soaked his feet in the ocean water a bit longer, looking out over the horizon. He tried to keep his focus on anything but what his brain was obsessing on. No such luck. He could have a brief respite, but after a minute or two the same images would whirl about in his mind until he felt like tearing his hair out.

The worst part was that Kevin knew exactly what he needed to do to calm his mind. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do it.

A few days ago, he’d been on his boat deep-sea fishing, enjoying a well-deserved respite from the hard work of ministry. A few moments of distraction and the boat capsized and broke apart, dumping all its contents, including Kevin, into the sea. He’d floated on a piece of the hull for hours, until he saw this small island. It had taken all his strength to reach the beach.

Kevin remembered an assignment he’d had in a junior high social studies class. He’d been given a list of a few dozen items and was told to pick five to be his only possessions on a desert island. If only he’d had that luxury a couple days ago; though, even then, he wasn’t sure he’d have picked a pen and a notebook.

“I’m a writer, and I can’t write. I’ve gotta get this story out of my head, or I’m gonna go crazy!”

Kevin paused, realizing he had just spoken aloud for the first time since he’d given up calling out for a rescue the previous morning. It kind of felt good; like he was no longer alone. Still, wary of the old “only crazy people talk to themselves” stereotype, he decided to frame his communication into prayer. He closed his eyes.

“Lord, You told me years ago I was to write a book for You, but I never got around to it. Well, here I am, in the middle of nowhere, and I can feel the story coming together in my head. But Father, the ideas are driving me crazy, and I have no way of writing them down. Tell me what You would have me do!”

He opened his eyes, noticing he was still standing in the water, a branch in one hand and a dead fish in the other. Kevin headed for the fire pit he’d created the day before on the sand, just off the rocky terrain of the island.

Using his best boy scout skills, he got a fire going, placing his fish on it to cook. As he waited for his dinner, he doodled designs in the sand with the branch.

You are holding the tool you need to write your book for Me.

Kevin looked down at the scribbles he’d made, noticing he’d actually written a few words.

“This stick, God? You want me to write my novel in the sand with this stick?”

Why not?

“No one will ever see it, Lord! The waves will wash it away.”

And who did you say you were writing this book for?

Kevin quickly took his dinner off the fire and gobbled it down. Walking further out onto the beach, he got down on his hands and knees and put stick to sand.

For the next two hours, Kevin knelt and wrote the first three chapters of his book, working his way around the perimeter of the island. The darkening sky broke his concentration: a look out into the ocean had him facing due west into the crisp reds, oranges and yellows of the most beautiful sunset he had ever seen.

“Oh thank you, Lord, for this beauty you have put before me. And thank you also, Father, for this wonderful opportunity to bless You, and only You, with my writing.”

The darkening skies made it impossible for Kevin to continue writing. He strolled back to the fire pit, using his branch as a walking stick, making footprints in his sandy novel as he went.

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Such a delight! It put us all in our place as to Who or Whom we are writing for; but we still have a desire to touch somebody, to give them something to ponder, to bring a lost soul to Him. Mixed feelings, perhaps. Loved the "Useful Branch" title. Used as a fishing rod, a writing tool, and a cane. Great Job. Really enjoyed the read, and very well written.

I enjoyed "A Useful Branch." It showed me how God can always find a way to do anything. I'm sure the main character decided that God had read the three chapters, and that he could finish it in any way or fashion.
God Bless

Boy, this would sure be a test for our intent. I hope that I don't get put on a desert island because of that book I haven't written. It sure gives me a charge, though, to think that I am here with my computer and don't need a stick. Thanks for reminding us of what is really important. It was a very creative turn!

That was great! A wonderful reminder about Who we should be writing for...Though, I must say, OUCH. That would really hurt to write so much only for no one else to ever see it! But, once again, this story serves as a great reminder of the true reasons behind our writings. Great job! I really enjoyed this! ^_^

I'm a fan of your writing :-)
This story slowed a bit when you reverted to "telling" us about the shipwreck. Still an enjoyable read though. You had me examining my motives for writing and that is powerful. Great work!

A really novel idea for the theme, and a very strong message for all of us who enjoy the applause of others just a little too much. Certainly a rebuke to me - lovingly spoken, of course. Very well done.

You gave a true sense of being alone on an island with all your thoughts and emotions building in the solitude of another type of world. I loved His relationship with God and the manner God showed apprecistion for the novel written just for him. This is a keeper!

Joanne, thanks for reminding me of this marvelous piece. Reading it again, I had the same "hmmmm, this is speaking to me" feeling, and again, much food for thought. I'm goind to feature it on the Front Page Showcase for the week of June 11. Look for it on the home page!

The underlying message I took from your wonderful, wonderful story is that the Lord, as a way of life, creates beauty, even for those who don't appreciate it or notice. Yet we rarely are willing to create something for Him alonez: we want human audience, approbation, and honors. For want of space I won't comment on all the good attributes of you story. There are far too many!!!!